· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
· Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
· Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared dish.
· Sprinkle with 1 ½ cups of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
· Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
· Finally, sprinkle the top with the last 1 ½ cups of mozzarella and the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan.
- Bake to Perfection:
· Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil (this helps steam the pasta and melt the cheese).
· Bake for 20 minutes.
· Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and spotty golden brown.
· For an extra crispy top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch closely!).
- Serve:
· Let the ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
· Don’t Overcook the Pasta: This is the #1 rule! Overcooked pasta turns mushy in the bake.
· The Egg in the Ricotta: The egg acts as a binder, preventing the ricotta from becoming watery and giving the filling a better texture.
· Cheese Matters: Use whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt and stretch. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Freshly grating your own is a game-changer!
· Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the ziti up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold. You can also freeze the unbaked ziti for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
· Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the meat. You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, and comforting creation
